
IGNITION SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
IGNITION SYSTEM........................1
SPARK PLUGS...........................1
SPARK PLUG CABLES.....................1
ELECTRONIC IGNITION COILS...............2
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY.............2
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM
INPUT................................3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM
INPUT................................4
KNOCK SENSOR..........................5
IGNITION SWITCH........................5
LOCK KEY CYLINDER......................5
IGNITION INTERLOCK.....................6
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SPARK PLUG SERVICE....................6SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICE..............6
IGNITION COIL...........................6
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY.............6
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR..............6
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............8
KNOCK SENSOR..........................8
IGNITION SWITCH........................8
LOCK KEY CYLINDER......................9
IGNITION INTERLOCK....................10
SPECIFICATIONS
VECI LABEL............................10
FIRING ORDERÐ2.0L....................10
TORQUE SPECIFICATION..................11
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐSOHC....11
SPARK PLUG...........................11
IGNITION COIL..........................11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The system's three main components are the coil
pack, crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft posi-
tion sensor.
OPERATION
Basic ignition timing is not adjustable.The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines spark
advance. The 2.0L engines use a fixed ignition timing
system. The distributorless electronic ignition system
is referred to as the Direct Ignition System (DIS).
SPARK PLUGS
The 2.0L engines uses resistor spark plugs. For
spark plug identification and specifications, Refer to
the Specifications section at the end of this group.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective. Refer to the
Spark Plug Condition section of this group. Aftercleaning, file the center electrode flat with a small
point file or jewelers file. Adjust the gap between the
electrodes (Fig. 1) to the dimensions specified in the
chart at the end of this section by bending the
ground electrode (just above the attachment weld)
with the appropriate tool.
Never apply any force between the electrode or
damage to the center electrode assembly will result.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion and damage.
Tighten spark plugs to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPARK PLUG CABLES
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electrical
current from the coil pack to individual spark plugs
at each cylinder. The resistor type, nonmetallic spark
plug cables provide suppression of radio frequency
emissions from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil and spark plugs. Terminals should
be fully seated. The nipples and spark plug covers
should be in good condition. Nipples should fit tightly
on the coil. Spark plug boot should completely cover
the spark plug hole in the cylinder head cover. Install
the boot until the terminal snaps over the spark
plug. A snap must be felt to ensure the spark plug
cable terminal engaged the spark plug.
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 1

IGNITION INTERLOCK
OPERATION
All vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles
have an interlock system. The system prevents shift-
ing the vehicle out of Park unless the ignition lock
cylinder is in the Off, Run or Start position. In addi-
tion, the operator cannot rotate the key to the lock
position unless the shifter is in the park position. On
vehicles equipped with floor shift refer to the - Tran-
saxle for Automatic Transmission Shifter/Ignition
Interlock.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
REMOVAL
REMOVE CABLES FROM COIL FIRST.
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping
the top of the spark plug insulator, turning the boot
1/2 turn and pulling straight up in a steady motion.
(1) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert.
(2) Inspect the spark plug condition.
INSTALLATION
(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand.
(2) Tighten spark plugs to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install spark plug insulators over spark plugs.
Ensure the top of the spark plug insulator covers the
upper end of the spark plug tube.
Reconnect to coil.
SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICE
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
REMOVAL
Remove spark plug cable from coil first.
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping
the top of the spark plug insulator, turning the boot
1/2 turn and pulling straight up in a steady motion.
INSTALLATION
Install spark plug insulators over spark plugs.
Ensure the top of the spark plug insulator covers the
upper end of the spark plug tube. The connect theother end to coil pack. Be sure that dual plastic clip
holds the cables off of the valve cover.
IGNITION COIL
The electronic ignition coil pack attaches directly
to the valve cover (Fig. 11).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from coil pack
(Fig. 10).
(2) Remove coil pack mounting bolts.
(3) Remove coil pack.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install coil pack on valve cover.
(2) Transfer spark plug cables to new coil pack.
The coil pack towers are numbered with the cylinder
identification. Be sure the ignition cables snap onto
the towers.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY
The relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) (Fig. 12). The PDC is located next to the
battery in the engine compartment. For the location
of the relay within the PDC, refer to the PDC cover
for location. Check electrical terminals for corrosion
and repair as necessary.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor is mounted to the
rear of the cylinder head (Fig. 13).
Fig. 10 Electronic Ignition Coil Connector
1 ± COIL
2 ± LOCKING TAB
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Remove brake booster hose and electrical con-
nector from holders on end of cylinder head cover
and reposition.
(2) Disconnect electrical connectors from camshaft
position sensor.
(3) Remove camshaft position sensor mounting
screws. Remove sensor.
(4) Loosen screw attaching target magnet to rear
of camshaft (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
The target magnet has two locating dowels that fit
into machined locating holes in end of the camshaft.
(1) Install target magnet in end of camshaft.
Tighten mounting screw to 3.4 N´m (30 in. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Install camshaft position sensor. Tighten sensor
mounting screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Place brake booster hose and electrical harness
in holders on end of valve cover.
(4) Attach electrical connectors to camshaft posi-
tion sensor.
Fig. 11 Electronic Ignition Coil Pack
1 ± IGNITION COILS
2 ± SPARK PLUG CABLE
3 ± SPARK PLUG INSULATOR
Fig. 12 Power Distribution Center (PDC)
Fig. 13 Camshaft Position Sensor Location
Fig. 14 Target Magnet Removal/Installation
1 ± TARGET MAGNET
2 ± MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± REAR OF CYLINDER HEAD
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The crankshaft position sensor mounts to the
engine block behind the generator, just above the oil
filter (Fig. 15).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from crankshaft
position sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting screw. Remove sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install sensor. Install sensor mounting screw
and tighten.
(2) Connect electrical connector to crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
KNOCK SENSOR
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 16).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(2) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensors.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
IGNITION SWITCH
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder
housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder (Fig.
17). For ignition switch terminal and circuit identifi-
cation, refer to the Wiring Diagrams sections.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Through
the hole in the lower shroud, depress lock cylinder
retaining tab and remove key cylinder (Fig. 18).
(3) Remove upper and lower shrouds from steering
column.
Fig. 15 Crankshaft Position Sensor
1 ± CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 ± GENERATOR
3 ± OIL FILTER
Fig. 16 Knock Sensor
Fig. 17 Ignition SwitchÐViewed From Below
Column
1 ± IGNITION SWITCH
2 ± LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 ± RETAINING TABS
8D - 8 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

TORQUE SPECIFICATION
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Camshaft Position Sensor Screw.......... 9N´m
(80 in. lbs.)
SOHC Cam Magnet/Target . . . 3.4 N´m (30 in. lbs.)
Crankshaft Position Sensor Screw........ 9N´m
(80 in. lbs.)
Coolant Temp. Sensor.....18.6 N´m (165 in. lbs.)
Ignition Coil to Cyl. Head . . 11.9 N´m (105 in. lbs.)
Knock Sensor.............. 10N´m(90in.lbs.)
MAP/IAT Sensor Plastic Manifold......... 2N´m
(20 in. lbs.)
Spark Plugs................ 28N´m(20ft.lbs.)
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐSOHC
SPARK PLUG
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
2.0L RC9YC 0.033 TO 0.038 14mm (3/4 in.) reach
IGNITION COIL
Coil ManufacturePrimary Resistance at 21ÉC-27ÉC
(70ÉF-80ÉF)Secondary Resistance at 21ÉC-27ÉC
(70ÉF-80ÉF)
Weastec (Steel Towers) 0.45 to 0.65 Ohms 11,500 to 13,500 Ohms
Diamond (copper towers) 0.53 to 0.65 Ohms 10,900 to 14,700 Ohms
CABLE RESISTANCE
#1,#4 3500 ohmsÐ 4900 ohms
#2,#3 2950 ohmsÐ 4100 ohms
Coil Polarity
Coil Polarity
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 11
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
HEADLAMP LEVELING SWITCH..............1
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND COMPONENTS.....1
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
HEADLAMP LEVELING SWITCH..............2INSTRUMENT PANEL ± R. H. D..............3
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS..................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
HEADLAMP LEVELING SWITCH
(1) Remove the headlamp leveling switch from the
instrument panel and disconnect the wire harness
connector from the switch. Refer to Wiring Diagrams
for the proper wire circuits and the wire connector
connections.
(2) If the L. E. D. is not illuminated, using a volt-
meter, connect B+ lead to Pin 4 of the Wire harness
connector. Connect the negative lead to Pin 3. Turn
ON the headlamp switch to the low beam position
and ensure the instrument panel dimmer switch is
on day light driving position. If voltage is present,
replace switch. If no voltage, connect the ground lead
to a good ground, if voltage, repair Pin 3 ground cir-
cuit as necessary, and if no voltage, refer to Wiring
Diagrams and test circuit back to headlamp switch.
(3) Using a voltmeter, connect B+ lead to Pin 2 of
the Wire harness connector. Connect the negative
lead to Pin 3. Turn ON the headlamp switch to the
low beam position. If battery voltage, go to Step 5. If
not OK, go to Step 4.
(4) Connect the ground lead to a good ground, if no
voltage, refer to Wiring Diagrams and test circuit
back to headlamp switch. If battery voltage, repair
Pin 3 ground circuit as necessary.
(5) Turn headlamps OFF. Connect the wire har-
ness connector to the headlamp leveling switch. Turn
ON the headlamp switch to the low beam position.
Check voltage at Pin 5, while rotating the headlamp
leveling switch knob through the four positions. Thevoltage reading should change as the switch is
rotated to each position. If the voltage does not vary
replace switch. If OK, test the headlamp leveling
motors and/or circuit to the motors.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND COMPONENTS
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery negative cable
before servicing the instrument panel or compo-
nents. When power is required for test purposes,
connect battery cable for test only. Disconnect the
battery negative cable after test and before continu-
ing service procedures.
Fig. 1 Headlamp Leveling Switch Circuit Diagram
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMS 8E - 1

(28) Remove the (2) I. P. retaining bolts which
attach the I. P. to the body at the tunnel bracket
(Fig. 13).
(29) Remove the (4) I. P. retaining bolts from the
right and left side body side cowls (Fig. 14) (Fig. 15).(30) With assistance from another person, guide
the HVAC control head through the I. P. opening
while removing the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing the instrument panel, be cer-
tain the (2) I. P. wire harness connector retaining
screws have been removed. The wire bundle should
hang between the two connector mounting tabs on
the I. P. casting (Fig. 16).
(2) With assistance from another person, guide the
HVAC control head through the I. P. opening while
installing the instrument panel.
(3) Install the (4) I. P. retaining bolts on the right
and left side body side cowls (Fig. 17) (Fig. 18).
Torque the bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the (2) I. P. retaining bolts which attach
the I. P. to the body at the tunnel bracket (Fig. 19).
Torque the bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the I. P. retaining fasteners on top of
the I. P. Torque the nuts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) Connect the radio antenna.
(7) Connect the left front door wire harness and
reposition the sealing boot in its original position.
(8) Connect the right front door wire harness and
reposition the sealing boot in its original position.
(9) Clip the wire harness along the center console
and connect the airbag control module, parking brake
and the PRNDL lamp if equipped.
Fig. 14 Right I. P. Retaining Bolts
1 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL RETAINING BOLTS
Fig. 15 Left I. P. Retaining Bolts
1 ± A-PILLAR TRIM
2 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL RETAINING BOLTS
Fig. 16 I. P. Wire Harness Connector
1 ± I. P. CONNECTOR MOUNTS
2 ± TOP OF PANEL
3 ± I/P CONNECTOR
4 ± RETAINING SCREWS
8E - 6 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(17) Install the A/C outlet registers in the center
instrument bezel.
(18) Install the right and left side lower kick pan-
els. Reposition the weather-strip in its original posi-
tion.
(19) Install the steering column. Torque the retain-
ing nuts to 17 N´m (150 in. lbs.).
(20) Install the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt
(Fig. 21). Torque the bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(21) Install the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt
retaining pin (Fig. 21).
(22) Connect the clockspring, wiper / washer,
multi-function, ignition and if equipped, the two skim
module connections and the shift interlock cable on
automatic transaxle equipped vehicles.
(23) Install the steering column shrouds. Torque
the retaining screws to 1.4 N´m (12in. lbs.)
(24) Install the lower steering column cover.
(25) Install the instrument cluster bezel.
(26) Clip the instrument panel top cover in posi-
tion.
(27) Install the (2) screws retaining the instrument
panel top cover (Fig. 22) (Fig. 23).
(28) Install the right and left side A-pillar trims
(29) Install the right and left side instrument
panel end caps.(30) Install the floor console. Refer to Group 23,
Body for the procedure.
(31) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 21 Steering Shaft Coupler Pinch Bolt
1 ± STEERING SHAFT COUPLER
2 ± STEERING SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT
Fig. 22 I. P. Top Cover Center Retaining Screws
1 ± I. P. TOP COVER RETAINING SCREWS
2 ± I. P. TOP COVER
Fig. 23 I. P. Top Cover Left Side Retaining Screw
1 ± A-PILLAR TRIM
2 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL RETAINING BOLTS
8E - 8 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)